Faculty Excellence, Philanthropic Vision

With more than 400 endowed faculty positions, UGA donors continue to invest in the scholars and teachers who drive its mission forward.

“To teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things.”  

The University of Georgia’s faculty bring this motto to life each day by providing a one-of-a-kind education to Bulldog students, advancing life-changing research and applying their expertise to address some of the toughest challenges impacting communities in Georgia and across the globe.  

As one of the nation’s leading public universities, UGA relies on exceptional faculty to prepare the next generation of leaders and drive discoveries that improve lives. Endowed faculty positions play a vital role in that work by providing the resources, recognition, and support needed to attract and retain outstanding scholars, enhance teaching and mentorship, and fuel innovative research. 

Thanks to the generosity of alumni, donors and friends, UGA has surpassed 400 endowed faculty positions across campus, marking a significant milestone in the university’s continued pursuit of excellence. Yet, the need remains substantial, with many distinguished faculty members eligible for endowed positions. Continued philanthropic investment is essential to expanding faculty support and ensuring UGA remains competitive in attracting and retaining top scholars.

As UGA continues to work toward increasing the number of endowed faculty positions, each new investment strengthens the university’s ability to recruit world-class talent and elevate academic programs. In turn, this opens the door for employers to recruit and hire UGA students, who often help connect their companies back to the university. When both companies and individuals invest in and give back to UGA, they create opportunities for students for generations to come. 

The stories that follow reflect the impact of endowed faculty support from two perspectives: the faculty members whose teaching, research, and scholarship are advanced through these appointments and the donors whose vision and generosity help make that work possible. 

The Becky and Howard Young Distinguished Professorship, Terry College of Business

After learning about the importance of endowed faculty positions through his service on the Terry College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council, UGA Foundation Board of Trustees chair Howard (BBA ’82) and his wife, Becky (AB ’82), saw an opportunity to make a lasting impact. By establishing an endowed faculty position, they are helping the University of Georgia recruit and retain exceptional scholars whose teaching and research enrich the student experience and strengthen the university’s academic reputation. 

“It’s rewarding to know that this endowment is making a direct impact on individuals’ lives,” said Howard. “These endowments aren’t just supporting buildings or rooms or naming opportunities. It’s actually a living, breathing professor who’s going to really change the lives of generations of students.” 

“These types of investments also help make UGA the special place it is and remain competitive among other universities.” 

Diane L. Wynocker Professorship for Advancing Canine Kidney Disease Research, College of Veterinary Medicine

After losing her three beloved Shelties, Lambert, Timmer, and Piper, to canine kidney disease (CKD), Diane L. Wynocker turned her grief into action. In addition to creating a research fund in their memory, she established the Diane L. Wynocker Professorship for Advancing Canine Kidney Disease Research to support a faculty member dedicated to accelerating discoveries that could improve diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for dogs affected by the disease.  

“Right now, we maintain a dog’s life to a certain extent. Let’s try and do more so we can diagnose CKD earlier and achieve a better prognosis and outcome,” Diane said.  

After establishing the professorship, Diane toured the Precision One Health lab on UGA’s campus to see firsthand how her investment was making an impact.  

“An endowed position like this creates support for passionate scientists leading this research now and well into the future. I can say UGA is making exciting progress, and hopefully with my help, the university will continue to do so in the quest for better CKD diagnoses.”

The Winnie G. Chandler Distinguished Professorship, Lamar Dodd School of Art 

Inspired by the memory of his mother, a talented painter who discovered a lifelong passion for art while raising seven children, UGA Foundation emeritus trustee Mark Chandler (BBA ’81) established an endowed faculty position in the Lamar Dodd School of Art. The professorship honors her legacy while helping UGA attract and retain outstanding faculty who inspire creativity, elevate the school’s reputation and prepare students for successful careers in the arts. 

“I wanted to do something in my mother’s honor, and this was a way to support something she loved while creating opportunities for future generations,” Mark said. “I’ve come to appreciate how important endowed faculty positions are in attracting top-tier professors whose talent, experience, and leadership enrich the entire university and the students they serve.”

The Shellebarger Professorship in Geology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

As alumni of the University of Georgia, Sydney (BSHE ’79) and Jeff (BS ’78, MS ’80) Shellebarger credit their education with helping shape the careers and opportunities they have enjoyed throughout their lives. Their commitment to giving back led them to establish an endowed professorship in the Department of Geology, helping the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences attract and retain exceptional faculty whose teaching, mentorship and research prepare students for success. 

“Endowments are one of the most successful tools for attracting and retaining outstanding faculty over the long term,” said Jeff. “By supporting a professorship, we can help ensure future generations of students benefit from the same high-quality education and opportunities that meant so much to us.” 

The Harley Langdale, Jr. Endowed Chair in Forest Business, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources 

When Chad Bolding was considering a move from Virginia Tech to the University of Georgia, the opportunity to hold an endowed faculty position helped make the decision clear.  Today, he holds an appointment as the Harley Langdale, Jr. Endowed Chair in Forest Business, which provides him with the resources and flexibility to support students, strengthen research and bring new collaborators and ideas to campus. 

“Endowed positions allow universities to attract people they might not otherwise be able to recruit,” Bolding said. “They give faculty the ability to leverage resources, grow impactful programs, and create opportunities that benefit students, research, and the university as a whole.” 

Gordhan L. and Virginia B. “Jinx” Patel Distinguished Professorship in Public Health, College of Public Health

For Dr. José Cordero, endowed faculty support provides a powerful way to invest in students’ futures. The flexibility of endowed funding that he receives through this distinguished professorship allows him to connect students with mentors, research experiences and professional opportunities that prepare them for successful careers in public health and beyond. 

“I’ve been able to support students in ways that wouldn’t otherwise be possible, whether that’s helping them train with experts around the country, present their work at national conferences or explore new professional paths,” Dr. Cordero said. “Those experiences help students discover what’s possible for their future, and that’s where the real impact of an endowment lies.” 

H.M. Pulliam Chair, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Since joining UGA in 2001, Professor Michael Strand has built a distinguished career of research, teaching and mentorship. As an endowed faculty member, he has seen firsthand how philanthropic support helps faculty go beyond the constraints of traditional funding to create meaningful opportunities for students and researchers. 

“One of the most valuable aspects of endowed support is its flexibility,” Strand said. “It allows us to invest in growth-enhancing experiences for students and researchers, from professional development opportunities to activities that simply aren’t possible through traditional grant funding. Those experiences can have a lasting impact on the people we work with and mentor.” 

Michael and Caroline Fierman Professor in Public and International Affairs, School of Public and International Affairs

A UGA graduate herself and longtime faculty member, Professor Amanda Abraham (AB ’98) has spent the past 14 years advancing research and mentoring students at the University of Georgia. As an endowed faculty member in the School of Public and International Affairs, she views her professorship as both a tremendous honor and a meaningful responsibility. 

“Being awarded an endowed professorship is both a recognition of what I’ve accomplished and a motivation to continue striving for excellence,” Abraham said. “The support allows me to pursue important research, provide opportunities for graduate students, and invest in the next generation of scholars, all while advancing the broader mission of the university.” 

The impact of endowed faculty positions extends far beyond a single professor, department, or research project. They enrich the student experience, advance discovery, strengthen UGA’s reputation, and help ensure the university can continue attracting and retaining exceptional faculty for years to come. 

Behind many endowed faculty appointments is a powerful partnership between academic excellence and philanthropic generosity. Together, faculty and donors help shape the future of teaching, research and service at UGA while creating opportunities that benefit students and communities across the state and the world for generations to come. 

With more than 400 endowed faculty positions now established and significant need still remaining, UGA is building on a strong foundation while investing in its future in large part due to private support from generous donors. Each new endowed position helps ensure the university remains a place where great teachers, groundbreaking researchers and transformative ideas can thrive.